Christian Lealiifano kicked the Brumbies to victory against the Blues in Auckland.

The Brumbies won 20-13 after leading 14-0 at halftime.

The Brumbies played with a strong wind in the first half and resisted the Blues in the second half to grind out a win.

Nic White scored the decisive first half try but the most critical play came in the 73rd minute when the Blues conceded a penalty at 17-13. The Brumbies punished the infringement to make it a seven point ball game and the weather conditions, coupled with the Blues indifferent display on the ball, made for a comfortable last five minutes.

The Blues were apathetic in the first half and lacked energy and drive. Head coach John Kirwan let rip in the half-time talk and if his team played with the intent of their coach it may have been a different result.

Rene Ranger was the exception to a mediocre Blues effort.

The Brumbies, on balance, were the better team and the more deserving team won on an awful night (weather-wise) in Auckland. Strong defence, Lealiifano’s boot, a more effective line kicking game and a more intelligent approach contributed to the win.